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Govenor's State of the State Address

Senator Vincent L. Leibell (R-C-I) Patterson, listened to Governor David Paterson’s State of the State address delivered today at the State Capitol, which highlighted the fiscal challenges facing the State.

“The Governor gave a sobering and direct speech today”, Senator Leibell declared. “It is a credit to him, how he can speak for over one hour, without notes or a teleprompter, to express his concerns and ideas for the state. Today’s address underscored the challenges facing New York and the need for all of us to work together to solve them”, he continued.

“Governor Paterson’s announcement of his support for a state spending cap was very encouraging. New York needs to stop taxing and start reducing its spending, cut its waste, and reduce its non effective and non efficient programs. A state spending cap, which Senate Republicans have supported for years, would go a long way toward accomplishing this goal”, Senator Leibell stated.

“I was concerned about Governor Paterson’s proposals to abolish the existing economic development programs in New York. Although such programs need reform, this is nonetheless a time when we need all efforts focused on job creation and economic development. With unemployment so high, and with so many families facing the consequences or prospect of losing their jobs, now is not the time to pull the rug out from our state’s efforts to attract private sector jobs, and grow businesses and industry”, Senator Leibell declared.

Senator Leibell also noted he had hoped the Governor’s speech would have provided some announcements as to how the state will close its significant multi-Billion dollar deficit. “I had hoped the Governor would outline, with some detail, his thoughts on what priorities should be addressed to close the state’s fiscal problems. This is the most important issue facing the state.

We have to relieve our constituents’ tax burden, and not add to it. Last year the Democrats merely raised taxes and fees and increased spending. That’s not the way to go, and I hope it’s not the Governor’s intention again this year. I will not support that. We need to work together to reduce the cost of government”, Senator Leibell concluded.